Diagnostic Endoscopy

Esophagoscopy

An esophagoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the esophagus. This procedure can identify diseases of the esophagus, determine the cause of symptoms, remove growths and swallowed objects or stretch narrowed areas.

This procedure uses an esophagoscope, which is a thin tube with a light and camera on the end that is fed through the mouth to the esophagus. Your doctor is able to view the area in real time on a video monitor in order to identify any abnormalities in the area that may be causing difficulty breathing, swallowing or eating.

This procedure may be performed with a local anesthetic, although it is virtually painless. There is no preparation necessary for this procedure, as there are with many other diagnostic exams. An esophagoscopy takes less than ten minutes and is a generally safe procedure with few rare risks such as bleeding or puncturing of the intestinal wall.

After an esophagoscopy, you may experience a dry or sore throat or coughing from the procedure. These symptoms usually go away quickly, and can be relieving by drinking plenty of water. There is no downtime from an esophagoscopy and patients can return to school or work immediately.

Flexible Laryngoscopy

Flexible laryngoscopy is a diagnostic examination performed to view the throat and its surrounding structures. It is performed using an endoscope. At Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat physicians use both distal chip tip scopes and fiberoptic endoscopes to perform this exam. For the examination, a patient’s nose is topically decongested and anesthetized. The endoscope is inserted into the patient’s nose and moved into the throat. The patient stays awake, giving the doctor a more accurate view of the back of the nose, back of the throat, and the voice box. Patient is asked to do some tasks to see the vocal cords in motion. After the examination, patients can immediately return to normal activities.

Tracheobronchoscopy

A Tracheobronchoscopy is a test performed to view and diagnose problems in the large air passages leading to the lungs. This procedure is done on patients who may have either breathing difficulty, airway stenosis (narrowing), tracheostomy dependence, coughing up blood, or suspected masses or lesions of upper airway. The examination can be done in awake patients with a flexible endoscope inserted either through the nose or tracheostoma. In anesthetized patients, either a flexible or rigid bronchoscope can be used to evaluate the upper airway. Local anesthetic will be administered to prevent discomfort during and after the exam.

Suspension Microlaryngoscopy

Suspension microlaryngoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to study the vocal cords. A metal cylinder known as a laryngoscope is passed through the patient's mouth; the surgeon will be able to look through the laryngoscope and check for abnormalities on the vocal cords. If abnormalities are found, the surgeon can remove them with special instruments that are passed through the laryngoscope. Patients undergoing suspension microlaryngoscopy benefit from shorter recovery times than traditional surgery. Learn more »

Videostroboscopy

Videostroboscopy is an endoscopic procedure that comprehensively evaluates structure and physiology of voice production. The procedure is performed by, or under the direct supervision of an otolaryngologist with training in diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders such as hoarseness. During the procedure, the physician is able to observe vocal cord anatomy and physiology using pulses of light from a stroboscope. Vibrations of the vocal cords appear to be slowed to enable evaluation of vocal cord oscillation and any structural pathology.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat today at: 732-280-7855

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